Lesson_GS_U3_American Indians, Exploration, and Colonization

​Unit 3
The American Indians, European Exploration, and Colonization

By Ryan McGuffey

​The Mississippian Indians (Part 1 of 2)

​Big Question: Describe the Mississippian Indians' culture and how their society ultimately came to an end.

• The Mississippian Indians lived in what was now the Southeastern US from the Mississippi River to Georgia from about 800ce until about 1600ce.

• Their society was hierarchical (made up of groups of people ranked according to their status or authority). Basically, there were two classes, commoners and elites. Commoners grew the food, made crafts, and served as warriors and laborers. Priest-chiefs were religious and political leaders. They were of course part of the elite, ruling class and led a comfortable lifestyle.

• By 1600, The Mississippian Indians' society had ended. 80% of all Indians in North and South America had perished. Primarily from European diseases such as smallpox. Nevertheless, they left behind complex and advanced societies comparable to any in the world at the time.

​The Mississippian Indians (Part 2 of 2)

​Big Question: Describe the Mississippian Indians' culture and how their society ultimately came to an end.

• Mississippian shelters, known as "wattle (twigs) and daub (clay)" dwellings, were often built on mounds made with large wooden poles for frames, covered by mud and clay and roofed with dried plants.

• For food, the Mississippians lived next to water for farming and always stored food to have enough. They hunted, caught fish and gathered shellfish. They also grew a variety of vegetables such as corn, beans, and squash.

• Although they did not have metal, the Mississippians still had many weapons and tools. They used stone knives made of obsidian, bows and arrows, and canoes made of petrified wood.

• The Mississippians also developed complex trade networks with other Indian societies. They would travel long distances to trade weapons, pottery, tools, and food to places as far away as the Great Lakes and the Gulf of Mexico.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes how Mississippian society was structured?

• Mississippian society was hierarchical, with a chiefdom structure.
• Mississippian society was organized as a democracy with equal representation.
• Mississippian society was primarily nomadic with no permanent settlements.
• Mississippian society was egalitarian with no social classes.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes the Mississippian Indians' shelters?

• Their shelters were small, circular huts made of grass.
• The Mississippian Indians' shelters were large, wooden structures often built on mounds.
• The Mississippian Indians lived in tents made of animal skins.
• The Mississippian Indians built their homes underground.

Multiple Choice

What did the Mississippian culture do for food?

• They grew maize, beans, and squash, and also hunted and fished.

• They primarily relied on foraging wild fruits and nuts.
• They practiced nomadic herding of livestock.
• They only hunted large game for their food.

Multiple Choice

What weapons and tools did the Mississippian culture develop?

• Crossbows and cannons
• Firearms, explosives, and mechanized vehicles.

• Swords, shields, and massive sailing ships.

• Obsidian knives, bows and arrows, and canoes.

Multiple Choice

How did the Mississippian Indians and other native groups ultimately come to an end?

• They migrated to the north and established new settlements.
• The decline was due to European colonization, diseases, land loss, and conflicts.
• They were defeated in a major battle against the Spanish.
• They voluntarily assimilated into European culture.

​The Reason for Spain's Exploration and Settlement

​Big Question: Describe Spain's main interests in settling the New World.

• In the late 1400s, Spain's goal was to find a quicker trade route to Asia's spice and silk markets by sailing west across the Atlantic. Instead, they made a far more significant discovery - the New World. Spain then became the first major European power to begin exploring and settling what we now know as North and South America. Spain's interests were three fold...

• God: Spain made it their mission to spread the teachings of the Catholic church and convert as many American Indians to Christianity as possible. A choice many Indians willingly made to remain free from slavery.

• Glory: During the Age of Exploration, most European nations believed the greatness and glory of their nations were based on the size and strength of their empires (an extensive group of territories controlled by one central nation or power).

• Gold (and other resources): Perhaps the most important desire of Spain was to grow their wealth by finding and claiming as much gold and precious resources along the way during their conquests.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was not one of Spain's main interests in the New World during the Age of Exploration?

• Buying foods and goods from Indians.

• Gaining wealth by acquiring as much gold and resources as possible.

• Spreading Christianity to the Indians.

• Bringing glory to their empires by expanding their territory in the New World.

Hernando de Soto

​Big Question: What was the purpose of Hernando de Soto's voyage throughout the Southeastern US, and how did it impact Indians along the way?

• Conquistadors (elite Spanish warriors and explorers from the 1500-1600s) like Hernando de Soto handled much of the exploration of the New World for Spain in the 1500s. Although converting natives to Christianity was important to them, it was mostly about a pursuit of gold and other resources.

• During the journey, he was often hostile to Indians he came across. He seized their food and supplies, killed and enslaved those that resisted, and plundered sacred mounds and temples often leaving crosses where they once stood. In addition to being literally outgunned, diseases spread by de Soto and his men made the Indians easily conquered.

Multiple Choice

What was the main purpose of Hernando de Soto's voyage?

• To establish trade routes with Asia.
• To document new plant species in the Americas.
• To spread Christianity among indigenous peoples.
• To explore and conquer territories in search of gold and riches.

Multiple Choice

Which region of what is now the United States did Hernando de Soto explore?

• Southeastern United States
• Midwestern United States
• Northeastern United States
• Southwestern United States

Multiple Choice

Which word best describes Hernando de Soto's relationship with the American Indians he came across on his journey?

• neutral
• friendly
• cooperative
• hostile

The Spanish Missions

​Big Question: What were the effects of the Spanish Missions on Georgia's Indians, and why did the missions end?

• In 1565, Spain established St. Augustine, Florida as its first permanent settlement. Soon after, the Spanish started sending missionaries (a person who works to spread their religious beliefs) to establish missions around the Southeastern US, including Georgia's barrier islands, in hopes of converting Indians to Christianity.

• Many Indian chiefs accepted this at first to gain access to Spanish goods. The Missionaries also tried to teach the Indians about Spanish culture, especially their language and how to read and write. Younger Indians were also made to farm crops and serve in Spanish forts.

• By the 1680s, the missions had ended. Disease had killed many of the Indians in the missions. Additionally, the England started pushing the Spanish further south after Establishing the colony of South Carolina. The English supported attacks on the Spanish from pirates and hostile Indian tribes to push them out.

Multiple Choice

What was the purpose of the Spanish missions along Georgia's barrier islands?

• To establish trade routes with Native Americans.
• To promote agricultural development in the region.
• To create military outposts against British expansion.
• To spread Christianity and secure Spanish territorial claims.

Multiple Select

Click THREE (3) effects the Spanish missions had on the American Indians.

• Many Indians died from diseases brought by the Europeans at the missions.

• Many Indians became wealthy from Spanish gold.

• Many Indians began to learn the Spanish language and how to read and write.

• Many Indians converted to Christianity and left their old cultures behind.

• Many Indians were able to migrate to Spain after converting to Christianity.

England's Interests

​Big Question: What were England's interests in exploring and colonizing the New World?

• By the 1600s, England began establishing claim to the New World by settling lands. Its interests included...

• Power and Glory: Like Spain, England wanted to gain glory by expanding its empire in the New World.

• Resources: Like Spain, England wanted to increase wealth through gold, silver, and other resources, but to produce more food and goods it could sell for a profit.

• Opportunity: Due to land, food, and job scarcity (not having enough resources to provide everything citizens want and need) in England, many English commoners were willing to risk coming to the Americans in hopes of improving their economic situations.

• Mercantilism: Mercantilism is an economic policy in which the goal was to gain wealth by exporting more goods than are imported. England hoped to do this through exporting crops and resources from the Americas back to Europe.

• Religious Freedom: Many Christian groups in England such as the Pilgrims and Puritans, did not agree with the Church of England, who often severely punished them for their beliefs. They left for the Americas to practice their religion freely.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was NOT one of England's primary interests in exploring and colonizing the New World?

• Cultural exchange
• Gaining resources

• Mercantilism.

• Religious freedom.

• Power and glory.

Multiple Choice

An economic policy used by the English during the Age of Exploration in which the goal was to gain wealth by exporting more goods than are imported was known as...

• feudalism
• socialism
• capitalism
• mercantilism
• democracy

Multiple Choice

The main reason so many people left England for the New World was because of land, food, and economic ______________ in England.

• opportunity

• scarcity

• surplus

• exploitation

James Oglethorpe and the Charter of 1732

​Big Question: What were the reasons outlined for the settlement of Georgia according to the Charter of 1732?

​~ In the 1720s, James Oglethorpe, a wealthy English politician devised a charter (an official government document with detailed steps or a plan for a new territory) for a new colony in the south, just above Spanish-controlled Florida, that he would name "Georgia" in honor of King George II.
~ The charter, known as the Charter of 1732 was approved by King Georgia II and Oglethorpe was appointed 20 trustees (a person or group given authority to make decisions over another) to serve with him. The Charter of 1732 outlined three main purposes for Georgia as a colony...

1). Philanthropy: Debtors (a person who owes money) and unemployed English citizens could apply to live in Georgia for new opportunities.
2). Economics: Georgia could provide money through resources and good such as rice, grapes, indigo, and silk as part of England's mercantile system.
3). Defense: Georgia would serve as a buffer colony (a colony set up in defense of others) between South Carolina and the Spanish in Florida and hostile Indian tribes.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes "philanthropy" under Georgia's Charter of 1732?

• Philanthropy refers to the pursuit of profit in business.
• Philanthropy is the act of creating laws and regulations.
• Philanthropy is the charitable intention to help the poor and indebted.
• Philanthropy is the process of investing in real estate.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes "defense" under Georgia's Charter of 1732?

• Defense was solely for agricultural purposes.
• Defense from Spain to the south and hostile Indian tribes.

• Defense referred to internal governance issues.
• Defense was about trade regulations and commerce.

Multiple Choice

Which best describes "economics" under Georgia's Charter of 1732?

• Economics in Georgia's Charter of 1732 was centered around mining and resource extraction.
• Economics in Georgia's Charter of 1732 prioritized trade and commerce over agriculture.
• Economics in Georgia's Charter of 1732 focused on industrial manufacturing.
• Economics in Georgia's Charter of 1732 emphasized agriculture and cash-crop farming.

Oglethorpe, Tomochichi, and Mary Musgrove

​Big Question: Why were Chief Tomochichi and Mary Musgrove essential in helping James Oglethorpe establish Georgia's first settlement of Savannah?

~ In November of 1732, James Oglethorpe, his 20 trustees, and 35 families made up of skilled laborers and craftsmen set out for Georgia. By January, they had arrived and immediately set out to find a location for his settlement.
~ Right away, Oglethorpe encountered the Yamacraw (Creek) Indians, and was introduced to their elderly chief, Tomochichi. Both Tomochichi and Oglethorpe intended on maintaining a peaceful and prosperous relationship. However, Tomochichi could not speak English just as Oglethorpe could not speak Creek.
~ Fortunately, a local woman by the name of Mary Musgrove was able to interpret for them both. Mary Musgrove was the daughter of a Creek Indian mother and an English father and was fluent in both the English and Creek languages.
~ Mary helped work out deals for both Oglethorpe and Tomochichi. Of course, Tomochichi was interested in European goods, while Oglethorpe wanted Yamacraw land for his new settlement. Through Mary, they Oglethorpe and Tomochichi were able to come to an agreement.
~ By February of 1733, the group had settled on an area known as Yamacraw Bluff. They began work on the settlement right away, which they called "Savannah". The colony of Georgia was off to a good start.

Multiple Choice

What was Mary Musgrove's role in helping James Oglethorpe establish Savannah as Georgia's first settlement?

• Mary Musgrove acted as a translator and mediator between James Oglethorpe and Tomochici.

• Mary Musgrove was a military leader in the settlement that the Yamacraw inhabited.

• Mary Musgrove was a land surveyor for the colony, and wife of James Oglethorpe.

• Mary Musgrove was the first governor of Georgia, appointed by King George II.

Multiple Choice

What was Tomochichi's role in helping James Oglethorpe establish Savannah as Georgia's first settlement?

• Tomochichi helped establish Savannah by negotiating peace and land for Oglethorpe and the settlers.
• Tomochichi had no involvement in the establishment of Savannah.
• Tomochichi was a military leader against the rival Cherokee Indians led by Mary Musgrove.

• Tomochichi opposed Oglethorpe's plans for Savannah and met him with hostilities.

The Groups of Georgia's Trustee Period

​Big Question: What were the roles of the various groups of settlers during Georgia’s Trustee Period?

~ The Trustee Period lasted from 1732, until the trustees power ran out in 1753. During that time, new settlers were forced to abide by Oglethorpe and the trustees' rules. Many of which were unpopular, such as the ban on alcohol, slavery, particular religions such as Jews and Catholics, and limits on land. Nevertheless, diverse groups of settlers began to make their way from Europe to Georgia.

The Highland Scots were a fierce group of Scottish warriors known for their bravery. However, many of them did not own their own land and were poor. Oglethorpe offered them 50 acres of land in exchange for their services in defending Georgia from the Spanish and hostile Indian tribes. 100s of them moved to Georgia over the next decade.

​The Highland Scots

The Salzburgers were Protestant Lutherans from Salzburg (Austria today) looking for religious freedom. They were excellent at producing silk, raising cattle, and harvesting lumber. They established the town of New Ebenezer north of Savannah where they were able to practice their religion freely and produce goods for Georgia, and therefore, England.

Despite being barred from Georgia by the Charter of 1732, Oglethorpe agreed to let a group of about 40 Jews from London in the colony in July of 1733. Among them was Dr. Sam Nunes, who was able to save many of Georgia's colonists from fever with his methods after many of them had
died over the previous months.

​The Salzburgers

​The Jews

The Malcontents were primarily from Scotland's lowlands, and unlike the other settlers, had paid their own way and were not dependent on the trustees. Therefore, they were the most unhappy and outspoken against the trustees' rules, especially those against owning slaves, more land, and no rum. They protested Oglethorpe and the other trustees constantly, causing much unrest.

​The Malcontents

The Groups of Georgia's Trustee Period
(Video Resources Only)

​The Highland Scots

​The Salzburgers

​The Jews

Multiple Choice

Which traits characterize the Salzburgers group during Georgia's Trustee Period?

• Numbering about 40, they were permitted into Georgia despite rules prohibiting their religion from entering. Dr. Samuel Nunes was among them, credited for saving Savannah from a terrible bout of fever.

• From the lowlands of Scotland. Paid their own way to get to Georgia, and therefore strongly disagreed with rules in the charter such as a ban on alcohol, slavery, and limits on land.

• Protestants from modern-day Austria seeking religious freedom in Georgia. Built settlements north of Savannah and were great farmers.

• Poor, non land-owning group from northern Scotland prized as elite warriors. Used by Oglethorpe to defend Georgia from the Spanish in exchange for land.

Multiple Choice

Which traits characterize the Highland Scots group during Georgia's Trustee Period?

• Numbering about 40, they were permitted into Georgia despite rules prohibiting their religion from entering. Dr. Samuel Nunes was among them, credited for saving Savannah from a terrible bout of fever.

• From the lowlands of Scotland. Paid their own way to get to Georgia, and therefore strongly disagreed with rules in the charter such as a ban on alcohol, slavery, and limits on land.

• Protestants from modern-day Austria seeking religious freedom in Georgia. Built settlements north of Savannah and were great farmers.

• Poor, non land-owning group from northern Scotland prized as elite warriors. Used by Oglethorpe to defend Georgia from the Spanish in exchange for land.

Multiple Choice

Which traits characterize the Malcontents group during Georgia's Trustee Period?

• Numbering about 40, they were permitted into Georgia despite rules prohibiting their religion from entering. Dr. Samuel Nunes was among them, credited for saving Savannah from a terrible bout of fever.

• From the lowlands of Scotland. Paid their own way to get to Georgia, and therefore strongly disagreed with rules in the charter such as a ban on alcohol, slavery, and limits on land.

• Protestants from modern-day Austria seeking religious freedom in Georgia. Built settlements north of Savannah and were great farmers.

• Poor, non land-owning group from northern Scotland prized as elite warriors. Used by Oglethorpe to defend Georgia from the Spanish in exchange for land.

Multiple Choice

Which traits characterize the Jews during Georgia's Trustee Period?

• Numbering about 40, they were permitted into Georgia despite rules prohibiting their religion from entering. Dr. Samuel Nunes was among them, credited for saving Savannah from a terrible bout of fever.

• From the lowlands of Scotland. Paid their own way to get to Georgia, and therefore strongly disagreed with rules in the charter such as a ban on alcohol, slavery, and limits on land.

• Protestants from modern-day Austria seeking religious freedom in Georgia. Built settlements north of Savannah and were great farmers.

• Poor, non land-owning group from northern Scotland prized as elite warriors. Used by Oglethorpe to defend Georgia from the Spanish in exchange for land.

Royal Georgia

​Big Question: In what ways did Georgia change after the Trustee Period ended and the Royal Colony Period began?

​~ After years of successfully defending Georgia from Spanish attacks and transforming Georgia into a successful colony, James Oglethorpe left in 1742 for England, never to return to the colony. The Trustee Period had ended, and the Royal Colony Period had begun. With it, Georgia changed rapidly.
~Economic Changes: First the trustees repealed the ban on slavery, alcohol, and reduced the limits on land ownership. Colonists began to build plantations along the river deltas and experimenting with cash crops such as W.R.I.S.T. (wine, rice, indigo, silk, and tobacco). With the increase in slave labor and the success of these cash crops, Georgia became a profitable.
~Government Changes: In addition to lifting some of the bans of the Charter of 1732, Georgia also got new leadership. King George II appointed governors to oversee his interests in Georgia as well as legislators to hear the voice of the colonists. John Reynolds (1754-1757), Henry Ellis (1757-1760), and James Wright (1760-1776) were Georgia's three governors under British rule until the Revolutionary War began in 1776.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following was NOT a cash-crop among Georgia's W.R.I.S.T. crops?

• Wine

• Silk

• Rice
• Tobacco
• Wheat

Multiple Choice

When the Trustee Period ended, how did Georgia's government change during the Royal Colony period?

• Georgia became an independent state with no royal oversight.
• The colony was governed by a council of local landowners only.
• It changed from a trustee-led system to a royal colony led by a series of appointed Governors.

• Georgia's government remained a trustee-led system with no changes.